Visiting with Kids and Family
With surprises around every corner, the MFA is a perfect place for the kids in your life!
A wondrous and welcoming place to spend quality time with friends and family! We have exhibitions that will keep kids smiling for hours and virtual programs to spark the imagination.
Friends and Family Membership
Friends and Family Membership
Starting at $140, a Friends and Family membership includes a year of free admission for two adults and up to four youths (ages 7–17). Kids under 6 are always free. Discounts on parking, shopping, classes, and more benefits!
Activities
Kids and Family Programs
Special events and in-gallery activities are a great way to enjoy the MFA with your family. Extend your experience with at-home art activities inspired by the MFA’s collection and special exhibitions.
Family Labels
Check out our family label, located in Shapiro Family Courtyard. Written to give caregivers a fun way to help children connect with artwork.
Tips for Visiting with Your Family
Before You Begin
- Don't feel like you need to see the entire Museum in one day. It’s a big place and worth many visits!
- Help us keep the artwork safe by not touching or climbing on objects.
- Please don’t eat in the galleries.
At the Museum
Come up with a plan! Search for faces, crowns, or animals; or look for a specific kind of art (paintings, photographs).
Look closely! Take your time and look closely at just a few things during your visit. As you look at paintings, imagine the sights, sounds, and smells you would experience if you stepped inside. Try striking a pose like the sculptures you see.
Play a gallery game! You can play “I Spy” in one of your favorite galleries. Or pick two similar works of art and compare them. Discuss how they are the same and how they are different. Or try playing the Memory Game together. Look at a work of art for a few minutes. Then, turn around and describe what you saw. Take turns. Does each person remember the same details or different parts?
Dining
Please visit Dining for more information about the Museum's dining venues.
Outside food and drink are not permitted in the Museum. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs.
Strollers
Strollers are allowed in all galleries; however, there may be restrictions for some special exhibitions. Backpack-style child carriers are not allowed.
Baby-Changing Areas
Baby-changing areas are located in restrooms throughout the Museum.
Nursing Room
Mothers seeking to nurse their babies may use our quiet, private nursing room off of the Hemicycle Gallery; ask any staff member for directions.
Everyone Restrooms
You can find two Everyone, or single-occupancy, restrooms, on Level G below Sharf Visitor Center. The spaces are equipped with changing tables and are fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs, require assistance, or privacy.
Enjoy the art at the MFA—but please don’t touch it!
Keep hands, bags, and small children at least 12 inches away from all artwork. Thank you for your help in preserving the art for others to enjoy.
Bag Policy
All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. Smaller bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11 x 15 inches will need to be checked in the Coat Room upon entry.